Another great exhibition!
85 artists in The Orangery over nine days, with exceptional weather; there was excellent footfall, and our Feature Artist, Chris Hales, was well received with very healthy sales. 46 artists sold work, an excellent result and overall sales were higher than in 2024.
A huge thank you to idverde for transforming The Orangery into an Art Gallery, the trustees, stewards, volunteers and particularly Ilchester Estates for continuing to sponsor the Annual Exhibition.
Without the artists there would not be an exhibition and it was heartwarming to hear from so many that the standard was so high and how wonderful it was to be involved and they would see me next year.
A picture tells a thousand words. Below is a photographic record capturing the essence of this year’s exhibition. See you in The Orangery in Spring 2026.
Gordon French
[June 2025]
2025 Art Exhibition
After celebrating the 40th Friends of Holland Park Art Exhibition last year, which was our most successful to date, I am looking forward to continuing the momentum with future exhibitions.
For the Feature Artist this year, I have selected last year’s winner of the “Spirit of Holland Park” prize, Chris Hales. Chris paints landscapes outdoors in rain or shine with a “plein air” approach. He grew up in the Peak District of Derbyshire, studied in Bristol and taught for many years at UWE (University of West of England) Faculty of Art, Media & Design, subsequently moving to London to study at the Royal College of Art and settling down many years ago in Holland Road. We are delighted to have Ilchester Estates sponsor the exhibition for another year. Over the years this sponsorship has allowed The Friends to develop the exhibition, offer a free catalogue, advertise and increase visitor numbers to The Orangery.
Please note: Artists’ completed forms, showing details of all their exhibits, must reach me by Friday 7th March 2025.
Gordon French
Art Exhibition 2025 Timetable
Friday, 7 March, 2025 Final date for completed artist exhibits to allow catalogue listing
Friday, 4 April Artists deliver artworks to the Orangery, Holland Park 8.30-11am
Artists will be required to sign the catalogue to certify that all details shown are correct.
Friday, 4 April Hanging & Judging 11am – 6pm
Friday, 4 April Artists’ Reception 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Saturday, 5 April Exhibition open to the public. 10.30am to 6pm
to Sunday, 13 April Continues for 9 days 10.30am to 6pm with entry FREE OF CHARGE.
Sunday, 13 April Artists and buyers collect works, 6.15pm – 7pm
Monday 14 April Artists and buyers collect works, 9am – 11am
[February 2025]
Photo: French family.
2025 Art Exhibition
It is the time of year when I announce the dates for The Friends of Holland Park Annual Art Exhibition. Like other Friends who are artists, I find a deadline gives me the necessary creative energy to decide on my subject and start planning. I have already begun sketching particular details in the Kyoto Garden that I will work on over the following months.
You can come and see the end result next April in the Orangery. Artists, this is a call to action. Please register and pay your exhibition registration fee, so I can send you the information/exhibit detail forms.
The conditions of entry remain the same. Friends who are artists, and artists who become Friends, are invited to exhibit up to a total of ten works in the main exhibition. This can be made up of two framed works to hang on the walls, and up to eight unframed works for display in the browser print stands, the latter with a maximum size 70cm x 100cm (including cardboard mounts but no wooden mounts). Or it can be made up of ten three-dimensional objects such as ceramics, stoneware and small sculptures. The minimum sale price for works in the main exhibition is £75. Artists can also enter the Mini-Market of small works on offer at £65 or under, this includes cards and craft items but no paintings. 35% of the money from the sale of your artworks goes to The Friends, so that they can continue the important work they do in Holland Park.
Friends interested in exhibiting in the art exhibition, the Mini-Market, or both, need to register and pay £15 entry fee before they receive the artist exhibits forms.
REGISTRATION OPENS ON FRIDAY 22nd NOVEMBER. Artists who have registered for the main exhibition may include works in the Mini-Market at no additional cost. Please register as soon as possible, as space is limited.
Information about the exhibition is available on our website, www.thefriendsofhollandpark.org or from me, Gordon French, 19 Kensington Court Place London W8 5BJ; email gordon.l.french@gmail.com telephone 020 7937 7222. All the details regarding the 2025 exhibition, feature artist and sponsorship will be outlined in the spring newsletter.
Artists – you are the exhibition! I look forward to seeing you in The Orangery.
Gordon French
Art Exhibition 2025 Timetable
Friday, 22 November 2024 Artist registration open
Friday, 7 March, 2025 Final date for completed artist exhibits forms to be received to allow catalogue listing
Friday, 4 April Artists deliver artworks to the Orangery, Holland Park 8.30-11am
Artists will be required to sign the catalogue to certify that all details shown are correct.
Friday, 4 April Hanging & Judging 11am – 6pm
Friday, 4 April Artist Reception 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Saturday, 5 April Exhibition open to the public. 10.30am to 6pm
Continues for 9 days from 10.30am to 6pm with entry FREE OF CHARGE.
Sunday, 13 April Artists and buyers collect works, 6.15pm – 7pm
Monday 14 April Artists and buyers collect works, 9am – 11am
Photos by French
[November 2024]